Synthesis and applications of molecularly imprinted polymers modified TiO2 nanomaterials: A review

Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials have caused a widespread concern in the past several decades for their bulk characteristics and potential applications in many different areas. Lately, the combination between molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and TiO2 nanomaterials have been proven to improve the relative adsorption capacity, selectivity and accelerate the rate of mass transfer of analyte which is not possible using TiO2 alone. Considering the unique performance of the MIPs modified TiO2 nanomaterials, this review intends to give an overview of the recent progresses in the development of MIPs modified TiO2 nanomaterials, the potential applications of their tailor-made characteristics. The limitations and challenges in this practically promising nanomaterials have also been raised and summarized. By means of the points raised in this article, we would like to provide some assistance for further development of preparation methodologies and the expansion of some potential applications in the field of MIPs modified TiO2 nanomaterials.